Participation in the Battle of the Camel
“According to some narrations it is even mentioned that they were forcibly dragged and brought along with them. Undoubtedly a Bai‘at performed under coercion is no Bai‘at in its true essence. When it came to pledging allegiance, they said that they would perform the Bai‘at on the condition that Hazrat Ali (ra) would exact retribution against the killers of Hazrat Uthman (ra). Later on, when they saw that Hazrat Ali (ra) did not exact retribution immediately, they relinquished their Bai‘at and left Medina for Mecca. One group from among those who killed Hazrat Uthman (ra) went to Hazrat Aisha (ra) and urged her to seek retribution against the killers of Hazrat Uthman by declaring Jihad. Thus, she acted accordingly and sought help from other Companions (ra). Hazrat Zubair (ra) and Hazrat Talha (ra) joined her and a battle ensued between the two groups: Hazrat Aisha (ra), Hazrat Talha, Hazrat Zubair(ra) and between Hazrat Ali (ra), which is known as Jang-e-Jamal [Battle of the Camel]. In the beginning of this battle, Hazrat Ali (ra) reminded Hazrat Zubair (ra) of a prophecy of the Holy Prophet (sa), as a result of which Hazrat Zubair (ra) left the battlefield.”
Hazrat Zubair (ra) left the battle early on and vowed not to fight against Hazrat Ali (ra). He also affirmed that he was mistaken in his understanding.
“Similarly, Hazrat Talha (ra) also pledged allegiance to Hazrat Ali (ra) before his demise. We find in narrations that when Hazrat Talha (ra) was left fatally wounded and was suffering from his injuries, a man walked past him. Hazrat Talha (ra) asked him which camp he belonged to? He replied that he belonged to the army of Hazrat Ali (ra). Upon this Hazrat Talha (ra) took his hand and placing it on top of his, stated, ‘Your hand is that of Ali’s (ra) and I pledge allegiance to Hazrat Ali (ra) once again.’”
(Khilafat-e-Rashidah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 15, pp. 44-45)